GYRO-STYLE LAMB BURGERS WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED ONIONS

Gyro-Style Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Grilled Onions image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
2 teaspoons ground coriander
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil, for the skillets
1 large red onion, peeled and sliced into 4 thick slices
8 ounces Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup minced cucumber
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 small soft pitas, toasted if desired
Chopped tomato, for serving
Chopped romaine lettuce, for serving

Steps:

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals evenly over the bottom. Heat 2 flat cast-iron skillets over direct heat.
For the burgers and onions: Combine the lamb, coriander and mint in a large bowl. Form the meat mixture into 4 equal thin half-moon shaped patties. Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides. Add a splash of oil to the cast-irons. Cook the patties 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the meat to get a nice crust. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the burgers from the heat and let rest 2 to 3 minutes before assembling the burgers.
Meanwhile, drizzle the onions with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, flipping once, until softened and charred, about 5 minutes.
For the tzatziki: Add the yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, cucumber, dill and mint to a large bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve: Spread some tzatziki over each pita, add a patty to one half of each pita, top with some grilled onion and add some chopped tomato and lettuce. Fold the other half of each pita over. Serve!